Being a teen is hard enough as it is. But imagine not having a family or someone to call mom and dad. Of the 630 Westchester children in foster care, more than 300 are teens looking for permanent loving families. These youth need the support of a family and a connection that enables them to move into adulthood with the parental support most of us take for granted. Tara, a former foster child, always wondered "Why was I never good enough for someone to love me?"
This year, United Way's 2-1-1, along with Family Ties of Westchester and Westchester County Department of Social Services (DSS), are joining hands to make finding permanent homes for these teens a priority.
"People may not realize that older children in the foster care system are often afraid of their future prospects," said Naomi Adler, CEO and President of United Way of Westchester and Putnam. "Foster parents who take an older child into their home can make a dramatic difference in the life of a teen and help guide them on the path to success in adulthood."
"Providing a safe and nurturing home is the first step towards making a lasting difference in a young person's life," said County Executive Robert P. Astorino. "Families in Westchester have so much to offer our youth, especially a young teen in need."
United Way's 2-1-1 call specialists are available to help prospective parents determine if they have the basic eligibility to become a foster parent or to adopt a foster teenager. Once initial questions are answered, callers are asked to attend an orientation program facilitated by Family Ties of Westchester, a nonprofit organization offering support services, education, and advocacy to families and children. Westchester County DSS contracts with Family Ties of Westchester to recruit, train, recommend for certification and support people interested in becoming foster and adoptive parents within Westchester County.
"You don't have to be perfect to be a foster or adoptive parent, and foster and adoptive families come in many different sizes, configurations and personalities," said Betty Mutschler, Associate Executive Director of Family Ties. "We give people the training, tools and support that they need to be successful parents and family members."
"Fostering or adopting a child is a very special and gratifying way to give back," said DSS Commissioner Kevin McGuire. "For teens in particular, a family connection helps guide them into a healthy and successful adulthood."
The support from foster and adoptive parents is invaluable. "I tell my kids to reach for the sky and if they fall I will be there to push them back up," said Katrina Brown, Westchester County Foster/Adoptive Parent.
If you are interested in becoming a foster parent, adopting a foster teen, or finding out more about the process, please call United Way's 2-1-1 by dialing 211 from a landline or cell phone. This free, confidential helpline is available from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., seven days a week, in more than 250 languages. You may also learn more about foster care from Social Services.